A three-hour span of vandalism in the Woodlands Heights area that left at least 40 cars and several homes damaged was caused by a bored teen marijuana dealer with a modified BB gun, according to the Harris County Precint One Constable's Office.

Steven Paul Young, 19, was arrested Dec. 20 and officials said he admitted to the damaging car windows and homes in the neighborhood just north of I-10 on Dec. 8.

Vehicles on Euclid Street, Bayland Avenue, Woodland Street, Reagan Street and Florence Street were hit. Initially only 23 cars were thought to have been damaged but more residents began to come forward in the days after the shootings.

Young was charged with felony criminal mischief and possession of marijuana, said Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen.

Rosen said Young had a little over two ounces of marijuana when he was arrested at home, where he lives with his parents. Rosen also said Young had baggies and a scale in his possession, along with a log of previous pot sales he had made. No charges for distribution have been filed against Young.

Rosen estimated that Young may end up costing property owners upwards of $18,000 in damage.

"What helped us break the case was asking the public on TV for help," said Rosen. After the stories aired, a neighbor told police he witnessed Young removing a black camper from his white Dodge Dakota pickup, which matched the description of the vehicle used in the shootings. The man then called authorities.

According to Rosen, the suspect had modified his weapons to look more realistic, removing the orange tips. Authorities worried that Young used the weapons for other crimes, but Rosen said Young didn't admit to anything beyond the Heights shootings.

Rosen said officials are searching for a male accomplice Young said was involved in the shootings.

"He made the investigation easier for the constable's office by also posting pictures of his weapons on his Facebook page," Rosen said.

Rosen stressed that the public did an outstanding job in getting the word out about the shootings.

Young remains in Harris County custody on the mischief and drug charges. His bond has been set at $10,000.